Lessonia berteroana in Peru: Verification of species identity and genetic diversity at the norther n edge of distribution

Harvest pressure on brown macroalgae of the Lessonia genus has increased in recent years in Peru and Chile, due to the high demand from the global hydrocolloid industry. After a taxonomic review, in 2012, the intertidal species Lessonia nigrescens was segregated into two species, being L. berteroana distributed in southern Peru and northern Chile (17-30 degrees S). Based on genetic tools we confirm the identification as L. berteroana and report its presence up to 15 degrees 23'S. It is recommended to update the status of the species into Peruvian regulations and scientific publications.